Recently, there has been some lively discussion within our little Communion of churches regarding the requirements and pre-requisites for ordination to the priesthood. At one point, I recall seeing a captioned image of some young priests which said (effectively) that none of their education and standard preparation will do any good at getting them ready to be a priest. Though it would rankle a good deal of well-meaning folk, this isn't nearly as shocking as it sounds. Getting degrees, no matter how good the education, rarely prepares you for the real-world application of that vocation, whether it is mending bodies, healing minds or salving souls.
So, I'm asking.
What
can prepare someone for this vocation?
More importantly, how can someone prepare to be a
good priest?
What qualites, skills and abilities constitute a good (that is to say, effectual) priest?
For those who have experience in this endeavour, let me put it differently.
What has served you in good stead whilst carrying out your duties as a pastor/priest/minister?
If you could pass on a nugget of wisdom to an aspiring priest, what would that be?
Inquiring hearts want to know.
P.S. - If, in responding, you would prefer confidentiality, please
email me privately.
Just be the honest person that you are. If you can help another then do so. If you cannot, then assist them to someone who can. Although it can be embarrassing to say that you don't know about something, in the long-run, everyone will be more peaceful.
ReplyDeleteBe prepared for things that will shock you. Trust me. You will never lose the ability to be shocked. Shocked, however, does not mean that we should judge another person's behavior. If we have not walked in their shoes, then we don't know what brought them to this point.
You will attract terribly unhappy people, in unhappy situations like you wouldn't believe. This is when the phrase, "in persona Christi" has the most meaning. Strive for the rest of your life to be that "Christ-person". Jesus listened and loved. Always try to do the same.
Best of luck to you. You are on the right road.
Chris